Mud baths and meter-high plumes of steam
On the southern island of Kyushu lies the city of Beppu, a popular spa town with high levels of thermal activity and numerous hot springs (onsen). The cityscape is dominated by meter-high plumes of steam that seem to rise from every corner of the city. Not far from the city lies Mount Tsurumi. A cable car takes you to just below the summit (1,375 m). Several hiking trails lead to lookout points, and it’s possible to hike to the summit. From there, you can look out over the cities of Beppu and Oita, the sea, and various mountain peaks in the hinterland. The panoramic views are breathtaking!
The 8 Hells of Beppu
Everything here revolves around the thermal waters: there are many spa resorts and public baths where you can choose from mud baths and sulfur baths, among other options. If you prefer a sand bath, you’ll be covered in a layer of steam-heated sand. Your skin will feel a pleasant tingling sensation. The thermal springs also provide energy. In the winter, homes are heated with the hot water, the steam is used to generate energy, and some meals are cooked using thermal heat. A tour of the Beppu Jigoku (the 8 Hells of Beppu) is a visual adventure. It’s amazing to see how hot mud and steaming water bubble up from the ground. Colors range from bright aquamarine, milky gray, pink, and green, to blood red. At Bozu Jigoku, boiling-hot gray mud bubbles to the surface. The Tatsumaki geyser erupts like clockwork—a spectacular sight!